Diagnosis

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Step 1: Get the correct diagnosis

It is important to diagnose myeloma as early as possible. Myeloma can be slow-moving or more aggressive. A skilled myeloma specialist is able to determine the best approach in your individual situation.

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How do I know if I have multiple myeloma?

Symptoms and signs

If you are experiencing the following signs or symptoms, consult with your physician about suspicion of myeloma.

Persistent or worsening tiredness due to anemia or reduced kidney function

Sudden pain due to a broken bone in the spine, ribs, or elsewhere

Recurrent unexplained infections, such as pneumonia, sinus, or urinary infection

Pain with movement and/or at night/rest

Pain tenderness/swelling of bone areas

Swelling, shortness of breath or evidence of heart or kidney failure

Tests

To get the correct diagnosis, you need to undergo a variety of tests. Myeloma may be suspected with the following findings:

I’ve been diagnosed with myeloma. I understand there are different types of myeloma. What does that mean?

Myeloma manifests as different types and subtypes. These types are based on the types of immunoglobulin (protein) produced by the myeloma cell. Normally, the various immunoglobulins have different functions in the body. Each immunoglobulin is made up of two heavy chains and two light chains.

There are five types of heavy protein chains: G, A, D, E and M. There are two types of light protein chains: kappa (κ) and lambda (λ).

IgG myeloma with κ or λ light chains

65% of myeloma patients

Has usual features of myeloma

IgA myeloma with κ or λ light chains

Next-most common type

Sometimes characterized by tumors outside the bone

IgD, IgE, and IgM myeloma

Rare types

IgD can be accompanied by plasma-cell leukemia and can cause kidney damage.

“Light chain” or “Bence Jones myeloma”

Present in10% of myeloma patients

Most likely to cause kidney damage, and/or lead to deposits of light chains in kidneys and/or on nerves or other organs.